EVA, Ala. – The number of Little Free Library locations continues to expand around the area, thanks in part to the efforts of a local woman.
Fairview resident Stephanie Sprouse said she’s dreamed of having multiple Little Free Libraries in rural areas to share high-quality literature with children.
“Just as Cheryl (Kahlstorf), the owner of Branch Books, continues to branch out and open new bookstore locations, I have dreamed of doing the same,” she said. “A Little Free Library is a free book-sharing box where anyone may take a book or share a book. They function on the honor system. You do not need to share a book in order to take one. If you take a book or two from a little library, try to bring some to share to that same library, or another in your area, when you can.”
Sprouse said she has had several thrift stores in the area call and offer free books to fill the libraries.
“I’m thankful for donations and community support,” Sprouse said. “Logging into the library app when you visit the Little Free Library is encouraging to the steward. You can request book titles you would like to see or notify the steward of needed repairs. My unique handmade bookmarks are available at both Branch Books locations, in Hartselle and Cullman. All proceeds from bookmark sales go towards purchasing new books to fill the Little Free Library boxes, in Fairview and Eva. The bookmarks are made from repurposed leather and discarded books. The leather bookmarks are $7 and the children’s bookmarks are $3.”
She currently stewards two Little Free Libraries.
“They are located at the Fairview Park (by the veterans pavilion) and the Eva Shorty Ryan Park (by the park mailbox),” Sprouse said. “The Eva Little Free Library was installed and officially opened to the public on Dec. 23, 2024.”
The Fairview and Eva Little Free Libraries were made possible by local church and school donations and literacy grants.
“I love being a good steward of the books that pass through my hands,” Sprouse said. “I work at a used bookstore in Cullman and share some books with the community through these boxes. My husband and I have installed a total of three boxes in our local communities over the last six years. My background is in elementary education and I love children’s literature. My hope is that children coming to these parks will leave with a good book to read. Please log into the Little Free Library app, go on a book scavenger hunt and contact the steward when you visit their box. If there are repairs needed or concerns with boxes, let them know. Happy reading.”
Sprouse also said to tune into The Cullman Tribune’s Bedtime Stories series on Facebook or YouTube to hear her read some of her favorite children’s books.
If you have books you would like to donate, you can drop by a Little Free Library or contact Stephanie Sprouse at sproushouse777@gmail.com or 205-601-7323 for pickup.
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